Order is Heaven’s first law

The title above is taken from a poem by Alxander Pope and it embodies the subject that follows in this post. Yes, our God is a God of order. What may seem disorder stems from the permisseve will of God to bring about a greater good, including human choices. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and lost their “original intimacy” with the Father, another course had to be set in order for the needed restoration. This time the human choices were going to be enacted in a “fallen state.” The human condition was now in the framework of a darkened intellect and weakened will.

As soon as Adam sinned and consequently experienced the effects of his decision, the first thing recorded was that he was afraid. (cf Gen 3:10) Perhaps Adam’s answer of “being naked” also included his loss of the closeness he had with God, without the reignment of the gifts he had before his sin.

At that point God made a promise ~ His response and remedy for this catastrophe. Without getting into the controversy in the translation of this verse, the Father’s response and remedy was: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.” (Gen 3:15)

This brings us to the what is called the “Protoevangelion” (Greek for First Gospel) The above account begs for attention to the fact that our Father’s initial response to the betrayal of our first Parents was Merciful Love! Before Justice was meeted out, Mercy was extended by the promise of a Savior. The “order” was set in place. That we may return to the Father, a new pathway was created. Although God is one in Nature, certain works are attributed to each Person of the Trinity, namely Creation, Redemption and Sanctification. Regarding the Father, besides the creation of the world and our first parents, we read accounts of his major interventions in what is commonly called the Old Testament era. And thus, the beginning of the journey we now call Salvation History.